Many people, including you, may have a great business idea which you think would be successful. You may have discussed it with friends and family and carried out comprehensive market research with positive results. However, you will also need to decide if you need to obtain funding, business premises, stock suppliers, staff etc. You also need to prepare a comprehensive and convincing business plan detailing realistic financial projections, market analysis, unique selling points and short and long term objectives. As well as an essential guide to the future of your business, this is also vital if you are seeking funding and investment.
When you are happy that everything is organised, you can apply for company formations with registered address. It is possible to do this yourself by submitting your details to Companies House, but most people these days choose to use an online company formations agent. Details of these can easily be found by searching on the internet. There are a number to choose from, so do some research online on each company to find one which is experienced and reputable and offers what you need. Most of the trustworthy ones will have a customer feedback facility where you can read existing customers’ comments to help you choose. You should also look for one which offers different packages tailored to all types of business requirements. Your chosen formations company will be able to check that your preferred company name is permissible. It must be unique and not contain any offensive or risqué words. The name must also not imply any connection with either local or central government.
One of the main requirements when forming your company is a registered office. The address will be one where Companies House, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HRMC) etc can contact and send mail to you. You must ensure that the registered office is manned regularly to deal with important communications promptly. You can register your office anywhere in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and can be either your home or business premises. It should be shown on all business correspondence and on your website (if you have one). The address should be in the same country where your business is incorporated. You should be aware that company formations with registered address will publish information in the public domain and will be available to be viewed free of charge. If you are uncomfortable with this, most company formation agents will offer a Registered Office service. This will enable all your official correspondence to be forwarded to a specified address. This will insinuate that your business has multiple locations, thus making it appear more impressive than it actually is. Your trading address and registered office do not need to be the same. You can effectively trade from anywhere worldwide, but you must have a UK registered office.
When you have provided all the required information about you and your future business, the company formations with registered address agent will guide you to select the best of their packages to suit your individual business requirements. They can also open a business account for you with one of the major UK banks. As soon as your business is registered, you will receive the legal documents - Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association and Share Certificates - electronically.
You are then free to start trading and build up to a successful business.
Most professional company formation agents will also offer a range of post-incorporation services such as administration and information support for your business as it grows and develops.
